James L. Grigsby Jr.

James Lillard “Jim”Grigsby, Jr. was called to be with his Lord and Savior Saturday, September 23, 2023 peacefully at his Oklahoma City home surrounded by family. Jim was a lover of God and Country and lived life to the fullest. He loved travel and the outdoors, especially his beloved Rocky Mountains.

Jim was born in Dallas, TX on July 22, 1929 and raised in Oklahoma City, OK. As a young man he attended Oklahoma Military Academy, making lifelong friends, graduated from Classen H.S. He continued his education at Oklahoma City University, but was interrupted by answering the call to serve his country from 1947-49. Jim returned to Oklahoma City and started his career of over five decades at the family business, American Propane Gas Co. In 1950 he met and married the love of his life Patricia Ann Reed in Tulsa, OK. Together they lived in Oklahoma City raising their three children. Jim would serve as President and General Manager of American Propane Gas Co. for over 30 years, opening a second location in 1993 to feature grills and outdoor living products, Oklahoma City’s first. Later moving to Norman, OK before his retirement to the beloved Rocky Mountains in Pagosa Springs CO in 1999. Their beautiful residence served as a welcoming haven for friends and family all four seasons, sometimes for weeks on end. Jim loved the outdoors and was an avid sportsman.

He loved hunting, fishing and four-wheeling. Their time in Colorado was full of adventure. Trips with his parents to the west coast as a young man had ignited a lifelong passion for travel. Jim traveled all around the USA sometimes with his family in tow but always with Pat by his side. They loved boating at Lake Tenkiller and later in life, traveling to Italy with their best friends Dr. Joe and Mary Ann Harroz, a time they treasured.

Jim was preceded in death by loving wife of over 70 years, Patricia Ann Grigsby, his parents Jeanette Faye and James L. Grigsby, Sr., son-in-law Ashford “Tad” Gockel and sisters Jeanette Borders and Marilyn Graham. He is survived by his three children, Christina Denise “Denny” Gockel, James L. “Jim” Grigsby III and wife Vivian, and Valerie Ann Hampton and husband Herb; seven grandchildren, Bryant Davis, Shawna Molina, Chelsea Gockel, Jessica Grigsby, Sean Grigsby, Kelley Hampton, Claire Hampton, Trevor Johnson & wife Heather; and five great-grandchildren Grant Davis, Ashton and Maggie Molina, Rory and Connor Joseph & Ford Johnson. Special thanks to Laura Ramos and Edith Alvarez for their unwavering love and support through the years.

Viewing will be held from 8AM - 8PM, Wednesday, October 4, 2023 with family receiving guests from 10AM-12PM at Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Home. Burial will precede Funeral Service and Celebration by Alan Conner at 11 AM, Thursday, October 5 at Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Home in Oklahoma City with lunch and fellowship following. In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests contributions be made to Northwest Bible Church 6316 N. Tulsa Ave., OKC, OK 73112